Williams set to announce 'experienced' driver

2 December 2011 – Williams has revealed that a ‘more experienced’ driver is likely to fill the squad's vacant seat, with Pastor Maldonado being confirmed for another year on Thursday. The outfit also announced that GP3 Champion Valtteri Bottas will become its reserve driver, leaving team boss Sir Frank Williams seeking a man with more F1 mileage.

"We have a very specific approach to young driver development, working with one highly talented individual over a period of years," said Williams. "Valtteri has proved a very capable and rounded young man of fierce determination.

"As the team’s reserve driver, we anticipate that Valtteri will participate in a Friday practice session at 15 Grands Prix next year, most likely with a more experienced driver taking over for the remainder of the race weekend. We will announce the identity of that driver in due course."

The most likely candidate for the space remains Force India’s Adrian Sutil, but it also puts Giedo van der Garde’s potential promotion to the sport in doubt.

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